Oral hygiene formulation and method of use

ABSTRACT

A formulation which promotes gum and oral health through the presence of natural components exhibiting astringent, antiseptic and local stimulant effects. The formulation can be in the form of a concentrate, an oral rinse, gel, ointment, and other topical forms. The formulation also promotes healing of sores and wounds as well as preventing toothdecay. The use of cayenne as a preferred component has a synergistic effect on other components effects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 60/234,064filed on Sep. 20, 2000, and its contents hereby incorporated byreference in full.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention pertains to compositions and their method of usein the maintenance and improvement of oral health, more specifically, aformulation of herbal extracts and essential oils, known by herbalhealth authorities to possess desired beneficial effects, which incombination provide a synergistic effect on the improvement andmaintenance of gum and oral health.

[0004] 2. Description of the Art

[0005] Gum disease and oral health problems have reached epidemicproportions. According to the American Dental Association, three out offour adults over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease. Recently,the Surgeon General issued a report on oral health.

[0006] Studies have shown that gum (periodontal) disease not only cancause the loss of teeth, but can cause much more serious diseases.Individuals with gum disease have been shown to have an increasedincidence of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease and haveincreased risk of stroke, increased buildup of plaque in carotidarteries, weakened immune systems and increased risk of complicationsfrom diabetes.

[0007] Treatment of gum disease by a periodontist usually is scaling andplanning to remove hidden plaque and tartar below the gum line. Inaddition, in severe cases of gum disease, the diseased portions of thegums are surgically removed one quadrant at a time, and can potentiallyrequire the removal of teeth. These procedures are painful, expensiveand merely treat the symptoms of the disease.

[0008] Many substances have been used individually and in combinationsto improve gum and oral health. It would be highly desirable to combinethe substances for optimal improvement of gum and oral health. Thesolution disclosed herein not only provides optimal improvement of gumand oral health, but also provides for prevention of gum and oral healthproblems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A formulation is disclosed which provides optimal improvement ofgum and oral health and provide for the prevention of gum and oralhealth problems. The invention uses a unique combination of ingredientswhich exhibit desired properties including antiseptic, astringent,stimulant and local analgesic properties, which in the presentformulations result in the synergistic properties of all the components.The use of capsicum in the formulation has demonstrated remarkablesynergistic, almost catalytic, effect with the other components of theformulation. A preferred formulation is prepared in a concentrated form.Typical use of the concentrate, uses a diluted solution of theconcentrate as an oral irrigator or mouth wash which bolsters maximumpenetration into gum pockets. The concentration of the solution can bevaried to achieve desired results. The concentrate can also beformulated into a toothpaste, oral gel, poultice, paste, salve, and thelike. In additional to helping minimize gum disease, the formulationshave been shown to aid in the reduction in the formation of cavities andalso promotes the healing of cold sores and wounds.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] To achieve the desired results, the preferred formulationexhibits astringent, antiseptic (for example antibacterial, antifungal,bactericidal, and virucidal), local stimulant, anti-inflammatory,immuno-stimulant and local analgesic properties. These properties can beattained by using a combination of components, wherein each componentexhibits one or more of the desired properties. The formulation cancontain more than one component which exhibits the same desiredproperty.

[0011] For ease of production, preferred components are in the form of aliquid, such as fluid extracts, tinctures, solid extracts, and the like,but can also be in the form of powders and the like. To promote healthand ensure safety, it is also desirable that the components be extracts,oils, powders, etc., of naturally occurring flora and that thesecomponents are not chemically processed other than the process used todirectly produce the fluid extract, tincture or oil, and are therebysuitable for use in the oral cavity.

[0012] Examples of preferred astringents include, but are not limitedto, bayberry bark, white oak bark, rhatany bark, sage, and teas,.

[0013] Examples of antiseptics include, but are not limited topeppermint oil, Echinacea, bloodroot, cayenne, tea tree oil, wildbergamont, chaparral, stinging metal, bay, myrrh, rhatany bark,toothache tree, calendula, and chamomile.

[0014] Examples of local stimulants include, but are not limited to,cayenne, peppermint oil, calendula, wintergreen, bayberry, and sage.

[0015] It is contemplated that additional components may includecoloring and flavoring additives. As an example of multi-propertycomponents, the use of peppermint oil takes advantage of the localstimulant and antiseptic properties as well as providing a flavoringcomponent.

[0016] Preferred formulation s include cayenne to utilize its multipledesirable properties and its synergistic effect on the properties ofother components in the formulation.

[0017] A preferred formulation is comprised of echinacea, bloodroot,bayberry, white oak bark, cayenne, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil. Theechinacea provides antiseptic (antibacterial) and local analgesia aswell as exhibiting some boost to the immune system. The bloodrootprovides an antiseptic effect and prevents the formation of plaques frombacteria, most likely through the presents of the antisepticsanguinarine which prevents several types of oral bacteria from formingdental plaque. The bayberry tightens gums and provides antiseptic,astringent and local stimulant effects. The white oak bark also tightensgums and provides astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.The cayenne acts as an antibacterial, stimulates circulation, blockspain, and also supplies a synergistic effect on the effects of the othercomponents in the formulation. The tea tree oil provides antiseptic(antibacterial) and anti-inflammatory effects. The peppermint oilstimulates circulation, provides antiseptic effects and acts as aflavoring agent and breath freshener.

[0018] A preferred formulation is comprised of 0-60% by volume Echinacea0-30% by volume Bloodroot 0-30% by volume Bayberry Bark 0-30% by volumeWhite Oak Bark 0-15% by volume Cayenne 0-10% by volume Tea Tree Oil 0-2% by volume Peppermint Oil

[0019] Another preferred formulation for the composition is comprised of35.4% by volume Echinacea 17.7% by volume Bloodroot 17.7% by volumeBayberry Bark 17.7% by volume White Oak Bark  6.6% by volume Cayenne 4.4% by volume Tea Tree Oil  0.5% by volume Peppermint Oil

[0020] The above formulations result in a concentrate which can be usedin any number of application methods, formulations and compositions. Forexample, the concentrate can be diluted with water and used as amouthwash. A preferred rinse comprises up to 5% by volume of theconcentrate diluted with purified water. The concentrate could beimpregnated in or coated on a dental floss or fibers of a toothbrush.The concentrate can also be added to a toothpaste base, oral gel, orother oral compositions. The concentrate can also be used by placing 1-2drops directly on a toothbrush or on commercially available toothpasteand used to brush the teeth and gums.

[0021] After application, for example by rinsing, brushing, orapplication of a gel, or the like, it is preferable that the mouth isnot rinsed, however; rinsing after use, as for example if used in orwith a toothpaste, will not dramatically reduce the effectiveness of thecomposition.

[0022] The concentrate can also be applied directly, or with somesuitable carrier, to cold sores (chancre sores) in or around the mouth.The concentrate provides pain relief and also promotes the healing ofthe sore.

[0023] The concentrate can also be applied directly, or with a suitablecarrier, to wounds, including lacerations, incisions, surgicalincisions, etc., to provide pain relief and the promotion of healing, aswell as antiseptic. The concentrate also appears to reduce the formationof scar tissue in/on such wounds.

[0024] The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes andare not presented as a limitation on the scope of this invention.

EXAMPLE 1

[0025] A concentrate was prepared by combining and mixing:

[0026] 2 fluid ounces of Echinacea fluid extract (Nature's Answer);

[0027] 1 fluid ounce of bloodroot (whole rhizome extract, Herb Pharm,Oregon);

[0028] 1 fluid ounce of bayberry bark fluid extract (Nature's Answer);

[0029] 1 fluid ounce of white oak bark fluid extract (Nature's Answer);

[0030] ⅓ fluid ounce of cayenne, prepared by mixing two (2) teaspoonsfull of cayenne (180 Heat Unit powder, Star West Botanicals, Inc.) inenough of 60%/40%—water/ethanol to yield ⅓of a fluid ounce;

[0031] ¼ fluid ounce tea tree oil (100% pure oil, Herbal Authority); and

[0032] about 25 drops of peppermint oil (100% pure USP, NOW Foods)

EXAMPLE 2

[0033] A mouth rinse was prepared by adding 1% by volume of thecomposition of Example 1 to 99% by volume purified water.

EXAMPLE 3

[0034] A composition was prepared by combining and mixing:

[0035] 35.4% by volume of Echinacea fluid extract (Nature's Answer);

[0036] 17.7% by volume of bloodroot (whole rhizome extract, Herb Pharm,Oregon);

[0037] 17.7% by volume of bayberry bark fluid extract (Nature's Answer);

[0038] 17.7% by volume of white oak bark fluid extract (Nature'sAnswer);

[0039] 6.6% by volume of cayenne, prepared by mixing equal parts ofcayenne (180 Heat Unit powder, Star West Botanicals, Inc.) with60%/40%—water/ethanol;

[0040] 4.4% by volume tea tree oil (100% pure oil, Herbal Authority);and

[0041] 0.5% by volume of peppermint oil (100% pure USP, NOW Foods)

EXAMPLE 4

[0042] The concentrate of Example 1 was prepared wherein the cayenne wasin the form of a solid extract (Gaia Herbs, 1,050,000 HU powder) in anamount to obtain the equivalent “heat” of the 180 HU powder.

EXAMPLE 5

[0043] A toothpaste is prepared by mixing a sufficient amount of thecomposition with a toothpaste base or a commercially availabletoothpaste, to provide about one (1) drop of the composition per eachmeasured use of toothpaste.

EXAMPLE 6

[0044] An oral gel is prepared by mixing a sufficient amount of thecomposition with a suitable oral gel, (for example Orabase® by Colgate),to provide about one (1) drop of the composition per each measured useof oral gel.

EXAMPLE 7

[0045] A topical ointment is prepared by mixing 1-25 drops ofconcentrate in 28 grams (1 ounce) of petrolatum.

EXAMPLE 8

[0046] A topical salve was prepared by mixing concentrate, dropwise,with 28 grams (1 ounce) of cayenne powder (180 Heat Unit powder, StarWest Botanicals, Inc.) until the desired paste consistency was obtained.

EXAMPLE 9

[0047] A person having periodontal pockets in excess of 12 mm (almost ½inch) deep had been recommended for treatment by surgery. In lieu ofsurgery the person began orally rinsing, twice-a-day, with the oralrinse from Example 2. After two months of rinsing the periodontalpockets were reduced to about 7 mm. After another two months of rinsingthe periodontal pockets were reduced to about 5 mm. After another twomonths of rinsing the periodontal pockets were reduced to an average ofabout 3-4 mm. Treatment also included cleaning every three months aswell as daily brushing and flossing. After the six months of rinsing, nosurgery was necessary.

EXAMPLE 10

[0048] A person having periodontal pockets in excess of 6-7 mm deep hadbeen recommended for extensive scaling and planing of the teeth. In lieuof scaling and planing the person began rinsing daily with the oralrinse from example 2. After 3 months of rinsing the periodontal pocketswere reduced to a point where no scaling or planing was needed.

EXAMPLE 11

[0049] A person having a laceration was treated with 10 surgicalstitches. After 10 days the stitches were removed and the woundpartially reopened. After an additional week of daily applications of atriple antibiotic, the wound showed limited healing, including thepresence of a visible break (a “hole”) in the skin. The topical salve ofExample 8 was applied to the wound and the wound was covered andbandaged. The topical salve and bandage were reapplied daily for about 1week after which the wound was completely closed—the “hole” haddisappeared with minimal scaring.

EXAMPLE 12

[0050] A person rinsing daily with the oral rinse of Example 2 for aperiod of 4 years showed no signs of developing carries (cavities).

What is claimed is:
 1. A dental formulation comprising one or moreastringents, one or more antiseptics, and one or more stimulants,wherein. said one or more astringents are selected from the groupconsisting of bayberry bark, white oak bark, rhatany bark, sage, andteas; wherein said one or more antiseptics are selected from the groupconsisting of peppermint oil , bloodroot, cayenne, tea tree oil, wildbergamont, chaparral, stinging metal, bay, myrrh, rhatany bark,toothache tree, calendula, and chamomile; and, wherein said one or morestimulants are selected from the group consisting of, cayenne,peppermint oil, calendula, wintergreen, bayberry, and sage.
 2. Theformulation of claim 1, further comprising one or more local analgesicsselected from the group consisting of Echinacea and cayenne.
 3. Theformulation of claim 1, further comprising one or more anti-inflammatoryagents selected from white oak bark and tea tree oil.
 4. The formulationof claim 1, comprising echinacea, bloodroot, bayberry, white oak bark,cayenne, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil.
 5. The formulation of claim 4comprising 0-60% echinacea, 0-30% bloodroot, 0-30% bayberry, 0-30% whiteoak bark, 0-15% cayenne, 0-10% tea tree oil, and 0-2% peppermint oil,wherein the percentages are in volume percent..
 6. A dental formulationcomprising 0-5% by volume of the composition of claim 1 with theremainder being purified water.
 7. The formulation of claim 1, whichcomprises a mouthwash.
 8. The formulation of claim 1, which comprises atoothpaste.
 9. The formulation of claim 1, which comprises a floss. 10.The formulation of claim 1, which comprises a toothbrush bristle. 11.The formulation of claim 1, which comprises topically applied ointmentor salve.
 12. A method of enhancing dental health by topicallyadministering the formulation of claim
 1. 13. A method of treating orpreventing gum diseases and tooth decay by topically administering theformulation of claim
 1. 14. A method of promoting the healing of woundsby topically administering the formulation of claim 1.